This is what I’ve been missing all of these years. It’s like riding a bike, only a lot more exhilarating. Our bodies move together with a familiar rhythm, each of us knowing our part.

I cling to him, my legs locked around his waist as he sets a punishing cadence. Each stroke of his cock sends waves of pleasure coursing through me. His lips find mine again, his tongue mimicking the movements of his body, and I can't help but moan into the kiss.

His hand slips between us, finding my clit with practiced ease. The sensation is almost too much. The added stimulation pushes me closer and closer to the edge.

"Come for me, Sienna," he growls, his voice rough with need. "Let go. I've got you."

And with that, I shatter, my orgasm ripping through me with an intensity that leaves me breathless. I cling to him, my body shuddering with the force of my release, and a few moments later, he follows me over the edge, his body tensing against mine as he finds his own release.

We lay there in the aftermath, our bodies slick with sweat and our breaths coming in ragged gasps. He rolls off of me, disposing of the condom before pulling me back into his arms. I nestleagainst his chest, my ear pressed to his heart, listening to the steady thump-thump as it slowly returns to normal.

His hand strokes my hair, gentle and soothing, and I can't help but think that this feels right. Being here with him, in this moment, it feels like coming home.

But as the haze of our passion begins to clear, reality starts to creep back in. I don't know what this means for us, or if there even is an 'us' to consider. But for tonight, at least, I let Brooke’s words lead my otherwise logical decisions.

TWELVE

Callum

To find the strength to love again

Monday, March 10

8:29 AM

The buzzof my phone on the nightstand jolts me awake, cutting through the heavy, quiet darkness of the room. For a second, I don’t move, caught in that space between sleep and waking, until I register the weight of her next to me.

Sienna.

She’s curled into my side, her leg draped over mine, her arm tucked across my chest. Her skin is warm against mine, her breath soft and steady, brushing against my shoulder. She’s completely bare, and so am I, and fuck if it doesn’t feel like waking up in a dream I don’t deserve.

My phone buzzes again, and I groan softly, tilting my head to glance at it without disturbing her. Whatever it is, it can wait. I’m not ready to leave this moment yet.

Her hair’s a wild mess across the pillow, and I smile at the sight of her, relaxed and unguarded in a way that makes my chest feel tight. My hand moves to her back, fingers brushing the curve of her spine, and she shifts slightly, nuzzling closer without waking.

But the phone won’t let me ignore it. Another buzz.

I reach for it reluctantly, careful not to jostle her too much, and squint at the screen. Luke’s name flashes up with a preview of two messages.

Where the hell are you, dickhead? The meeting’s in an hour. Don’t tell me you forgot.

And then right below it.

Seriously, man, I’m not covering for you for this. You fucking better be here.

Shit.

I exhale sharply, the warm haze of sleep and Sienna fading fast as the reality of the morning slams into me. The meeting. The fucking PR meeting with Pinnacle. I completely forgot.

I sit up, trying not to wake her, and run a hand through my hair. My jeans are somewhere on the floor, and I spot my shirt half-tangled in hers near the foot of the bed. The clock on my phone tells me I’ve got less than an hour, and I’m already cutting it close.

As I stand, grabbing for my clothes, Sienna stirs beside me. Her eyes flutter open, hazy with sleep, and she pushes herself up on one elbow, the sheet slipping down to her waist.

"Callum?" she murmurs, her voice soft and a little hoarse.

"Yeah," I say, my voice low. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you."

She frowns slightly, sitting up more fully now. "What’s going on?"